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"We feel like we can beat any opposition" : Faheem Ashraf

The hard-hitting Pakistan all-rounder, Faheem Ashraf, recently shot to instant fame in a game against Sri Lanka when he became the first Pakistani bowler to take a hat-trick in a T20I. His talent had already been recognized during the victorious Champions Trophy campaign and he continues to re-emphasize his credentials as a potential successor to one of Pakistan's top all-rounders, Abdul Razzaq.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Faheem Ashraf spoke on a number of topics including his dramatic rise in stature since the warm-up game against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy, his emotions and the advice he received when he achieved the hat-trick against Sri Lanka, how he feels about the confidence that the Pakistan coaching staff and especially Azhar Mahmood have in his abilities and why he feels that Pakistan will be strong contenders for the title in the 2019 World Cup.

PakPassion.net: These past few months must feel like a dream for you?

Faheem Ashraf: Yes absolutely. A few months ago, only my coaches, team mates and friends really knew about me. Hardly anybody had heard my name, but now due to the Almighty many people have heard of me. The warm-up match at the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh and then the recent hat-trick against Sri Lanka have really boosted me and made people recognise my name.

PakPassion.net: Many people said, “Faheem who?!” when you were named in the Champions Trophy squad. Did you feel you had a point to prove during that tournament and thereafter?

Faheem Ashraf: That tournament will live in the minds of all of the squad forever. Many people did not know who I was when my name was announced in the squad, but the warm-up match against Bangladesh made people say Faheem Ashraf instead of Faheem who?! When I was about to go out to bat against Bangladesh at Edgbaston, the coaching staff said to me, go out there and just play your natural game and don't worry about the scoreboard. The pitch was true and I went out there and played my natural game and that worked. We were in a bad position, but we turned it around and eventually won when all seemed lost. I guess you could say that was the turning point for me.

PakPassion.net: To have been asked to make your international debut in a high-profile match against Sri Lanka at the Champions Trophy must have been quite nerve-wracking?

Faheem Ashraf: I went out there with the mindset of treating it like any other match. My team mates and the coaching staff told me to go out there and enjoy myself and just do my best. The confidence in the team throughout the tournament after the first match was sky-high. I was satisfied with 2 wickets against Sri Lanka, but I felt I conceded a few too many runs and my run-out is definitely one to forget. It was a match that we looked like we had lost, but that self-belief pulled us through and it was a sensational match to make my Pakistan debut in.

PakPassion.net: Describe what it was like to become the first Pakistani bowler to take a hat-trick in a Twenty20 international?

Faheem Ashraf: It's difficult to describe my emotions during and after the hat-trick but it was an incredible moment. I had no idea until after the match that I was the first Pakistani cricketer to complete a hat-trick in a Twenty20 international. I still cannot believe I did it and it's only when people mention it to me that I actually believe it happened. I wasn't sure if I would be bowling in the latter stages of the innings but then I realised that Usman Shinwari was injured and that I would be required to bowl one more over towards the end of the innings. Initially I just wanted to keep it tight and restrict the opposition and just focus on dot balls. Shoaib Malik came up to me and told me to keep bowling the right length for that wicket. He asked me to bowl on a good length and not bowl short. For the first wicket I bowled a slower ball and Hasan Ali took a superb catch. For the second wicket I took on board the advice of Shoaib Malik and bowled a good length delivery. For the hat-trick delivery Imad Wasim told me to bowl a good length inswinger and the batsman will be leg before or bowled and that's what happened as the batsman was out lbw.

PakPassion.net: You speak about playing your natural game with the bat. What do you feel is your natural game?

Faheem Ashraf: I feel that I am no mug with the bat and that I have an array of strokes that can work for me. I play positively and feel that I go out into the middle looking to be positive which is my natural game. I'm working on a few things regarding my batting and there are improvements required, but I'm happy with the progress that I am making with the bat. However I want to be more consistent with the bat and not just regarded as a lower-order hitter.

PakPassion.net: You seem like a cool, calm and mature man when out on the field. Is that the real you?

Faheem Ashraf: Yes, that's the way I am. There is no drama, I don't like big celebrations when I take a wicket and to me it's all about going out there, performing and then looking ahead to the next match. The previous match is history as soon as it's over. The way I think is that you look ahead to the next match and aim to improve yourself as soon as the previous match is over.

PakPassion.net: You seem to bowl a heavy ball at times and vary your pace really well. Do you feel you can bowl faster than what you are bowling at the moment?

Faheem Ashraf: I firmly believe that variety is the key to a successful bowler. I can bowl a heavy ball which is my effort delivery, but I also bowl a lot of slower balls and cutters. My style of bowling is where I try to keep the batsman guessing and not bowl too many similar deliveries in any over. As far as pace is concerned, I guess the stronger I get, there is every chance that I will be able to bowl faster, but at the moment that is not too important for me. I really enjoy working with Azhar Mahmood, he has so much knowledge of the game and he really gives me a lot of confidence. Even when you have not had a good day, he will try and boost you up and motivate you; he's a great guy to have in the Pakistan dressing room.

PakPassion.net: In a recent match you came out to bat, hit your first and second ball for six and made it look like you were playing a game of cricket with your friends in the local park?

Faheem Ashraf: No, it's never that easy. But when the management, senior players and captain are giving you so much self-belief, you are literally flying and believe you can do anything out there. The management, especially Azhar Mahmood said to me that I was capable of great things with both bat and ball and that I should believe in myself and not take on too much pressure. They support me so much that it makes me feel that I am not even playing international cricket as I have so much faith in my own ability after the backing of the coaching staff. In the previous match to the one where I hit the two sixes, I was disappointed with my batting and how I got out and wanted to make amends for it. Shadab Khan helped us win that match, but I felt that I had let my team down in that innings, so I was all set in my mind to show that I can do better than what people saw in that innings.

PakPassion.net: Some are already comparing you to Abdul Razzaq. How does that make you feel and is it a fair comparison?

Faheem Ashraf: I think the likes of Abdul Razzaq are fantastic cricketers, great cricketers who are very difficult to replace. I am at the start of my career, I am learning and looking to improve. I think it's good for Pakistan cricket that there are a number of all-rounders coming through the ranks and all competing against each other for places. When there is competition that means that players realise that they can take nothing for granted and that you have to work even harder to keep your place in the side. The confidence given by the team management to me keeps me going and if that helps me get closer to the great Abdul Razzaq then that is a great thing for me and for Pakistan cricket.

PakPassion.net: What's it like being part of the current Pakistan limited-overs squads?

Faheem Ashraf: It's a great environment and one that is built on trust and backing each other. There are a lot of youngsters in the squads and a lot of guys who are finding their way in international cricket and we are all helping each other on that journey. The basis of the team is aggression, that is what the captain wants and that is what the coaches want as well. The management back the players and in return the players are performing well as they have that belief and confidence. At the moment in limited-overs cricket we feel like we can beat any opposition.

PakPassion.net: What's it like playing under Mickey Arthur, he looks quite daunting on television at times?

Faheem Ashraf: Before I was part of the Pakistan squad I had heard from some of the players that he is quite scary at times. But since I have played under him and got to know him a bit, he's a great guy. He just wants the best for the Pakistan team and he wants 100% from the players. He only gets upset when a player makes the same mistake again and again and where those mistakes have already been mentioned to that player previously. You know where you stand with a guy like Mickey Arthur and that is something that works for me.

PakPassion.net: You opted out of playing in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, why was that?

Faheem Ashraf: I was offered a BPL contract, but I decided to play in the National T20 Cup for Faisalabad region as they have done so much for my development as a cricketer. My region is playing in a major tournament so how could I leave them and head off to Bangladesh? I have come through the ranks at Faisalabad region from the junior teams to under 19s and then to the senior teams and leaving them to go and play in the BPL was not something I could have done. Nothing means more to me than playing for my country or for Faisalabad in any tournament.

PakPassion.net: You are currently playing in the National T20 Cup, how is that tournament going, and it must be disappointing to be playing in front of empty stands?

Faheem Ashraf: It's a high-profile tournament and it's a tournament that is very important to the players for national selection and also due to the fact that there are more PSL places up for grabs. But it's very sad that the crowds are so poor. The earlier matches each day see hardly any fans and then the later matches see small crowds. Players want to play in front of decent crowds and I would urge the fans to attend the matches and back the players and all the teams taking part in this tournament. They need to do this to show the world that Pakistan supports all types of cricket, international and domestic.

PakPassion.net: You've been selected by Punjabi Legendz for the T10 cricket league in UAE. Is 10 over cricket the future and have you played any 10 over cricket previously?

Faheem Ashraf: I've played some ‘last man standing’ cricket but never played 10 over cricket before. I think it will be fast-paced and entertaining for the fans. There were people who said twenty over cricket wouldn't work and look how popular it is, so let's give this format a chance and see how it goes. I think it will be fun and it will become popular.

PakPassion.net: You'll be making your debut in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year. That must be something you are really looking forward to?

Faheem Ashraf: It will be an absolute honour for me to share the dressing room with two Pakistani cricketing greats, Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis. It will be fantastic to play under the captaincy of the legend Misbah-ul-Haq and I'm also really looking forward to working with one of the greatest bowlers ever, Waqar Younis. I see the Pakistan Super League as a great venture for Pakistan cricket, but also a big opportunity for the likes of myself to learn from the likes of Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq. I've heard great things about the Pakistan Super League and I'm really looking forward to this opportunity. I won't let anyone down and I hope that my performances will please fans and everyone involved in Islamabad United.

PakPassion.net: Looking ahead, which areas of your game do you feel need improving and working upon?

Faheem Ashraf: As a cricketer you are learning every day and you are never the finished article. In any profession you are constantly looking to improve, to better yourself and there should never be any complacency. I am looking to improve in all areas of the game as I feel there is a lot of hard work ahead for me. Just because I have played a few matches for Pakistan doesn't mean I should think I am the finished article.

PakPassion.net: You must already have one eye on the 2019 World Cup. How do you feel about Pakistan's chances in that tournament?

Faheem Ashraf: There's a lot of cricket to be played before that tournament but we are a confident side at the moment and hopefully that confidence will continue. It's important that we keep the momentum going. I cannot say we will win the World Cup, but one thing I can say is that if I am selected I will give my all for the country and our aim will be to become Champions Trophy and World Champions.

A bit premature this statement, after only beating Srilanka. Our recent record in bilateral excluding WI and Srilanka is pretty poor. Don't count your chickens yet. Last time we played NZ, England and Australia it was there for everyone to see, and we didn't face these teams in CT, otherwise it could've been another story for us.

A bit premature this statement, after only beating Srilanka. Our recent record in bilateral excluding WI and Srilanka is pretty poor. Don't count your chickens yet. Last time we played NZ, England and Australia it was there for everyone to see, and we didn't face these teams in CT, otherwise it could've been another story for us.

Excellent interview. This guy seems like an excellent prospect and is one of my favourite players now.

I had heard about him but his domestic stats were very mediocre so I was not expecting much from him. I guess he is one of those players who you can't judge by stats but boy he's proven me wrong. Looks like a proper hitter and he can crank it up with the ball too. From what I've heard he's also a really nice guy, I hope he doesn't go the way of the likes of Sharjeel Khan etc

Insightful interview, not afraid to speak his mind too. He's right that the crowds for the National T20 are appalling.

We badly need a quality pace bowling all-rounder, especially as the next World Cup is in England. We have an abundance of spin bowling all-rounders but we've never really replaced Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood. Hopefully this lad can be the solution.

The big test for Fahim Ashraf is coming up against New Zealand against a powerful batting lineup playing in those small grounds. This current Sri Lanka ODI team isn't much of a barometer.

His batting is more exciting than his bowling - we lack explosive powerhitters who can exploit the death overs of an ODI or T20 but he hits the ball cleanly.

Rising all-rounder Faheem Ashraf says him becoming the first Pakistani to claim a hat-trick in T20Is hasn’t sunk in yet and that he is still in a state of disbelief over his incredible feat.

Ashraf, 23, dismissed three consecutive batsmen in the second T20I against Sri Lanka late last month — only the sixth time a bowler has claimed a hat-trick in the game’s shortest format at the international level and the first time a Pakistani did so.

In an interview with Pak Passion, Ashraf discussed at length his terrific trifecta and revealed he wasn’t even supposed to bowl that late in the game per the original plan.

“I wasn’t sure if I would be bowling in the latter stages of the innings but then I realised that Usman Shinwari was injured and that I would be required to bowl one more over towards the end of the innings,” he said.

He then explained his thought process for all three wickets and credited Shoaib Malik and Imad Wasim for helping him strategise.

“Initially I just wanted to keep it tight but Shoaib Malik told me to keep bowling the right length and not bowl short,” recalled Ashraf. “For the first wicket I bowled a slower ball and Hasan Ali took a superb catch. For the second wicket I bowled a good length delivery. For the hat-trick delivery, Imad Wasim told me to bowl a good length inswinger and the batsman will be leg before or bowled and that’s [exactly] what happened.”

While the plan may have worked like a charm, Ashraf says the grandeur of his achievement hasn’t sunk in yet, saying: “It’s difficult to describe my emotions during and after but it was an incredible moment. I had no idea until after the match that I was the first Pakistani cricketer to complete a hat-trick in a T20I. I still cannot believe I did it and it’s only when people mention it to me that I actually believe it happened.”

That, and his breezy 64-run knock against Bangladesh in a Champions Trophy warm-up in the summer have turned Ashraf from a no one to a potential star, who is even being touted as the heir apparent to the great Abdul Razzaq.

That surge in popularity hasn’t gone unnoticed by the player himself, who said: “A few months ago, only my coaches, teammates and friends really knew about me. Hardly anybody had heard my name, but now due to the Almighty many people have heard of me. That warm-up match and then the recent hat-trick have really boosted [my profile] and made people recognise my name.”

Regarding his Razzaq comparisons, he feels it’s too early to say whether he can emulate the great all-rounder but says he takes it as a compliment.

“I think the likes of Abdul Razzaq are fantastic cricketers, who are very difficult to replace,” he said. “I am at the start of my career, I am learning and looking to improve. The confidence given by the team management to me keeps me going and if that helps me get closer to the great Abdul Razzaq then that is a great thing for me and for Pakistan cricket.”

Ashraf is largely regarded as a bowling all-rounder, but he says he is a better batsman than he is given credit for and also harbours ambitions beyond being just a low-order slogger.

“I feel that I am no mug with the bat and that I have an array of strokes that can work for me,” he said. “I play positively and feel that I go out into the middle looking to be positive which is my natural game. I’m working on a few things regarding my batting and there are improvements required, but I’m happy with the progress that I am making with the bat. However, I want to be more consistent and not just regarded as a lower-order hitter.”

Pakistan newbie all-rounder Faheem Ashraf is living a dream these days. With a hat-trick to his credit and a number of match winning performances, Ashraf’s young career is moving on the right trajectory.

The all-rounder is currently playing at the National T20 Cup, where he is representing the Faisalabad side. “It’s a high-profile tournament and it’s a tournament that is very important to the players for national selection and also due to the fact that there are more Pakistan Super League places up for grabs,” said Ashraf, quoted PakPassion.net.

The all-rounder, however, was disappointed with the local fans over their lack of attendance at the National T20 Cup.

“It’s very sad that the [strength of] crowd is so poor. The earlier matches each day see hardly any fans and then the later matches see small crowds.” Ashraf urged the fans to attend the tournament in order to show their support for cricket.

“Players want to play in front of decent crowds and I would urge the fans to attend the matches and back the players and all the teams taking part in this tournament. They need to do this to show the world that Pakistan supports all types of cricket, international and domestic,” he added.

KARACHI: Rising all-rounder Faheem Ashraf says him becoming the first Pakistani to claim a hat-trick in T20Is hasn’t sunk in yet and that he is still in a state of disbelief over his incredible feat. Ashraf, 23, dismissed three consecutive batsmen in the second T20I against Sri Lanka late last month – only the sixth time a bowler has claimed a hat-trick in the game’s shortest format at the international level and the first time a Pakistani did so. In an interview with Pak Passion.net, Ashraf discussed at length his terrific trifecta and revealed he wasn’t even supposed to bowl that late in the game per the original plan.

“I wasn’t sure if I would be bowling in the latter stages of the innings but then I realised that Usman Shinwari was injured and that I would be required to bowl one more over towards the end of the innings,” he said. He then explained his thought process for all three wickets and credited Shoaib Malik and Imad Wasim for helping him strategise. “Initially I just wanted to keep it tight but Shoaib Malik told me to keep bowling the right length and not bowl short,” recalled Ashraf. “For the first wicket I bowled a slower ball and Hasan Ali took a superb catch. For the second wicket I bowled a good length delivery. For the hat-trick delivery, Imad Wasim told me to bowl a good length inswinger and the batsman will be leg before or bowled and that’s exactly what happened.”

While the plan may have worked like a charm, Ashraf says the grandeur of his achievement hasn’t sunk in yet, saying: “It’s difficult to describe my emotions during and after but it was an incredible moment. I had no idea until after the match that I was the first Pakistani cricketer to complete a hat-trick in a T20I. I still cannot believe I did it and it’s only when people mention it to me that I actually believe it happened.” That, and his breezy 64-run knock against Bangladesh in a Champions Trophy warm-up in the summer have turned Ashraf from a no one to a potential star, who is even being touted as the heir apparent to the great Abdul Razzaq.

That surge in popularity hasn’t gone unnoticed by the player himself, who said: “A few months ago, only my coaches, teammates and friends really knew about me. Hardly anybody had heard my name, but now due to the Almighty many people have heard of me. That warm-up match and then the recent hat-trick have really boosted my profile and made people recognise my name.” Regarding his Razzaq comparisons, he feels it’s too early to say whether he can emulate the great all-rounder but says he takes it as a compliment. “I think the likes of Abdul Razzaq are fantastic cricketers, who are very difficult to replace,” he said. “I am at the start of my career, I am learning and looking to improve. The confidence given by the team management to me keeps me going and if that helps me get closer to the great Abdul Razzaq then that is a great thing for me and for Pakistan cricket.”

Ashraf is largely regarded as a bowling all-rounder, but he says he is a better batsman than he is given credit for and also harbours ambitions beyond being just a low-order slogger. “I feel that I am no mug with the bat and that I have an array of strokes that can work for me,” he said. “I play positively and feel that I go out into the middle looking to be positive which is my natural game. I’m working on a few things regarding my batting and there are improvements required, but I’m happy with the progress that I am making with the bat. However, I want to be more consistent and not just regarded as a lower-order hitter.”

A fantastic prospect for us and we were looking for a fast-bowling allrounder for ages, my only advice for him is to not try and become the next Abdul Razzaq but be yourself; aim to improve your game and become your own man, don't ever stay in someones shadow.

Well, England did beat NZ and Australia in the group stages and we beat England in the semis. So we could've handled them with similar results had it been them in the semis. Plus, we beat one of the top teams, India, in the finals too. Kicking Shehzad and Wahab out really made a huge difference.

Fahim could be a really good batting all-rounder that bats at #7. He'd be really good for death overs, cause he's capable of hitting some powerful shots, and either Malik or Shadab could be #6. He could be like our version of Sri Lanka's Thisara Perera.

Fahim could be a really good batting all-rounder that bats at #7. He'd be really good for death overs, cause he's capable of hitting some powerful shots, and either Malik or Shadab could be #6. He could be like our version of Sri Lanka's Thisara Perera.

Well, England did beat NZ and Australia in the group stages and we beat England in the semis. So we could've handled them with similar results had it been them in the semis. Plus, we beat one of the top teams, India, in the finals too. Kicking Shehzad and Wahab out really made a huge difference.

I mean, yes that's true, but the types of players in the squad make a difference too. England had really good players compared to those teams like Joe Root for instance, and easily thrashed . We brought in Fakhar and Junaid who did really good after Wahab and Shehzad failed in the first match. Had these two played instead of FZ or JK, we'd have lost for sure. Of course we could've still lost against NZ or Aus had FZ or JK had still played, but we had a greater chance of winning as well due to their presence and not lackluster players.

If PAK is serious about upcoming series against ENG and SA along as well as home series against AUS and NZ, they need to groom this man into the Test side ASAP. Fahim should be slotted at #7 along with Shadab. This allows us to field 6 batsmen + 2 all-rounders + 4 fast bowlers + 1 spinner. Fahim can not only offer the quicks a breather but become a potent strike bowler because he has superb control over his line and length. Essentially, you want him to either dry up the runs in 7 successive overs and strike through pressure.

ISLAMABAD - Faheem Ashraf , the Pakistan allrounder, suffered a hamstring injury , because of which he missed the semi-final of the National Twenty20 in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

Ashraf , 23, will undergo rehab in the National Cricket Academy in Lahore and hope to get fit in time for the tour of New Zealand in January. Pakistan play five One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals against the hosts.

“Faheem suffered a hamstring injury in the last match, so he has been summoned to the NCA for rehab,” said a Faisalabad team spokesperson.

Ashraf was missed in the team’s 10-run defeat in the semi-final to Lahore Whites.

He emerged as the best allrounder in last year’s regional one-day cup and made his international debut against Sri Lanka in Pakistan’s winning campaign at the Champions Trophy in England in June. Since then he has made gradual strides to cement his place in the limited-overs teams, registering the first T20 hat-trick by a Pakistani bowler, achieved against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi last month.

Please stop making these outrageous click-bait statements and just concentrate on things on the cricket field.

You still play ODI cricket like it's the 1990s and were led into a massive false sense of security after winning the CT, in which whilst Pakistan did play well, they benefited by beating 3 favoured sides (England, SA & India) who were under much more pressure and expectation than Pakistan were under, which allowed them to sneak under the radar.

The reality is, Pakistan are an ordinary ODI side, whose current ranking of 6 in the world is about right.

Please stop making these outrageous click-bait statements and just concentrate on things on the cricket field.

You still play ODI cricket like it's the 1990s and were led into a massive false sense of security after winning the CT, in which whilst Pakistan did play well, they benefited by beating 3 favoured sides (England, SA & India) who were under much more pressure and expectation than Pakistan were under, which allowed them to sneak under the radar.

The reality is, Pakistan are an ordinary ODI side, whose current ranking of 6 in the world is about right.

How were England, SA, and India under more pressure than Pakistan? England practically cruised to the semis, whereas SA and India could afford to lose 1 game in the group stages. But Pakistan practically had to win every match after the first to loss to India if they wanted to stay alive in the tournament, which they did.

How were England, SA, and India under more pressure than Pakistan? England practically cruised to the semis, whereas SA and India could afford to lose 1 game in the group stages. But Pakistan practically had to win every match after the first to loss to India if they wanted to stay alive in the tournament, which they did.

C'mom, I'm talking about expectation and pressure. Pakistan were not under the same expectation and pressure to win as SA, England (especially) and India. I'm not saying they didn't play well, but having watched those games, i felt it was more a case of the other teams 'bottling it' than Pakistan being all that good.

I just don't think they're a good ODI side and feel that CT win flattered them greatly, and to be fair I did publicly state this series would be 5-0 to NZ and I was proven 100% correct. They are miles off the likes of NZ, Aust, Eng, India and SA in terms of ODI skills.

I mean seriously, how many Pakistan players would make the NZ side? You be lucky if it was 2-3.

Paksitani players need to concentrate on performances on the field, rather than these stupid click-bait commentaries about how they can beat any side. It gets embarrassing when they get spanked as they just did.

C'mom, I'm talking about expectation and pressure. Pakistan were not under the same expectation and pressure to win as SA, England (especially) and India. I'm not saying they didn't play well, but having watched those games, i felt it was more a case of the other teams 'bottling it' than Pakistan being all that good.

I just don't think they're a good ODI side and feel that CT win flattered them greatly, and to be fair I did publicly state this series would be 5-0 to NZ and I was proven 100% correct. They are miles off the likes of NZ, Aust, Eng, India and SA in terms of ODI skills.

I mean seriously, how many Pakistan players would make the NZ side? You be lucky if it was 2-3.

Paksitani players need to concentrate on performances on the field, rather than these stupid click-bait commentaries about how they can beat any side. It gets embarrassing when they get spanked as they just did.

It's not "stupid click-bait commentary" when you practically thrash two of the best ODI sides in one sided games, when you get South Africa's best batsman ABD out on a golden duck. I will still maintain that Pakistan IS a very good ODI side, IF and only IF they get ride of time tested failures like Azhar, Malik, and Hafeez, bring in young PSL talent, and promote Mr. Babar Azam to opener. It's not fair to put Fahim Ashraf in the same basket as those 3 TTF's because he gave it all, along with Fakhar Zaman ,Haris Sohail, and Hasan Ali. It's the poisons in the team which are dragging us down, not those that fought their hardest. They need young blood to move forward, not "experienced seniors."

It's not "stupid click-bait commentary" when you practically thrash two of the best ODI sides in one sided games, when you get South Africa's best batsman ABD out on a golden duck. I will still maintain that Pakistan IS a very good ODI side, IF and only IF they get ride of time tested failures like Azhar, Malik, and Hafeez, bring in young PSL talent, and promote Mr. Babar Azam to opener. It's not fair to put Fahim Ashraf in the same basket as those 3 TTF's because he gave it all, along with Fakhar Zaman ,Haris Sohail, and Hasan Ali. It's the poisons in the team which are dragging us down, not those that fought their hardest. They need young blood to move forward, not "experienced seniors."

You just got humiliating 5-0, when you say you think they are still a very good side, what does that even mean? Do you think their current ranking of 6 is accurate?

I think he has a lot of raw talent, ideally which should have been worked upon more in domestic. Still he's young and international exposure should help him.

I do think he should be trying for the 3rd pacer slot. Should be aiming to bowl 10 overs with him in the team. We need a longer batting line up and bowlers who can bat, plus I think it will give him a lot more confidence and freedom with the bat if he knows he can hold down a place with the ball. At 7 he would have to focus on being able to build an innings, rescue the team from a dire situation, not just hit. Hence 8 would be more ideal. I don't think opening is the right idea, he's not a main batsman in domestic, he's a bowler foremost and opening is something completely alien to him I suspect, where his hitting will be wasted to an extent when it could be useful lower down the order.

I would never play him below Shadab. It's hard to mostly be picked on batting potential, but then you're batting below someone who makes it in bowling alone. Shows a lack of faith in Fahim (if we are to treat him as a proper bat). I'd just play Fahim at 8, so he's just an extension of the main batting line up (and not the tail). Shadab at 9 is even better for us, means we can bat down even lower, Fahim gets more opportunity to hit, and Shadab can continue to focus developing his bowling.

Whether or not Fahim is able to hold down an ODI spot in the future for now (as competition at his slot, there's a lot of options floating around there atm), he should be a T20 regular (and at least in the ODI squad). Should give him the much needed international exposure to develop as a player.

You just got humiliating 5-0, when you say you think they are still a very good side, what does that even mean? Do you think their current ranking of 6 is accurate?

I don't think you read the rest of my comment. Like I said before, it's the senior players and the time tested players like Azhar, Malik, Hafeez, Babar (tho he's not a senior), and Sarfraz who are bringing the team down with their cringeworthy performances. Do you think Fahim Ashraf underperformed in this series? Do you think Haris Sohail underperformed in this series? Do you think Shadab Khan underperformed in this series? The problem only rests with the cancerous players that I mentioned who bring others down, and that's it. When we make those changes, everything will be fine. And what's done is done, 5-0 so what, this is just a series, no one is going to remember it in a few years anyways, and rankings are arbitrary in cricket. Even you should know that. The #12 ranked team can beat the #1 ranked team if it is their day. It's not a sport of 100% certainty.

Whilst the series finished 5-0, Faheem showed some good signs with both bat and ball.

At times he was the most consistent bowler and showed that he is no mug with the bat and has a good variety of shots.

There’s something about him and shadab (probably more visible in shadab): some players have a certain way of how they perform that you can see glimpses of more responsibilty. He should be part of the rebuilding nucleus

His bowling has really improved since he made his international debut. Really really impressed with him. Hope he keeps up the good work. Want him to get more chances to bat. He has the bat swing and power to be a really good finisher for Pakistan.

“It is my first season of the PSL and I have not played much of international cricket yet, so I have little idea about who will be the toughest batsman to bowl in PSL,” Islamabad United’s Faheem Ashraf said while talking to ARY Sports.

“However, as far as I have watched the league on TV, I believe Kevin Pietersen will be the toughest batsman to bowl,” he mentioned.

The right-arm bowler is determined to back his ability and looking forward to the challenge of bowling to some of the most dangerous batsmen of cricketing fraternity.

“If you back your ability and stick to your strength, then there is nothing difficult,” he added.

The 24-year old shared the secret of success in the shortest format of cricket that bowlers have to stay one step ahead of batsman to win the battle.

“This form of cricket is unpredictable,” he told. “Bowlers have to give their 100 percent, play with batsmen’s mind, implement his plan and judge batsman’s thinking, you need to be quick in decision making here,” he added.

Faheem Ashraf hailed the efforts of Pakistan Cricket Board for bringing international back to Pakistan and scheduling the final of the league in Karachi.

“I want to thank the PCB for organizing the final [of PSL] in Karachi with their endless efforts,” he stated. “PCB and our law enforcement agencies are presenting Karachi as a peaceful city, similar to how they are portraying Pakistan as a peaceful country, which is sending a positive message to the world” he added.

Faheem Ashraf started playing cricket idolizing Pakistan’s great Waqar Younis, but now as he has become an all-rounder, his role model is England’s Ben Stokes.

Talking about who will he target if Islamabad United faces off against Karachi Kings in the final at the National Stadium Karachi, he said he will target anyone who will be at the crease.

“I will not target an individual of the team, if you target a specific batsman, all your focus remains on him, I always have a game plan against each player of the opposition,” he concluded.

Faheem's proved me wrong, great half century in this test when we needed it. Finally a decent contribution with the bat.

But kind of goes to show Mickey made the wrong decision again. We don't need a fifth bowler lol they're 7/4. Faheem's batting was what we needed from him not his bowling. And I don't know whether Faheem (or Shadab's batting) will hold up against better opposition/harder conditions. As batting isn't their focus.

Fahim needs to be averaging around 40 in tests to cement his place ahead of a batsman. Which is difficult.